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Coronavirus Research Update
The Water Research Foundation recently held a webcast on the coronavirus pandemic, covering the basics of the disease, transmission, disinfection, and effective utility response. We’ve summarized the key points for water agencies. Watch the webcast for the full presentation: https://bit.ly/39a5PCG
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause anything from a cold to severe respiratory syndrome. The recent outbreak of that started sweeping the globe in 2019 is called novel coronavirus disease, or COVID-19. The virus itself is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Are current water and wastewater disinfection methods effective against COVID-19?
Yes. According to industry experts, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the U.S. EPA, there is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 survives disinfection processes for drinking water and wastewater.
What can utilities do?
A pandemic of this magnitude is unprecedented, but water agencies are prepared to keep their communities safe. Here’s what utilities across the country are doing:
- Following AWWA, WEF, and OSHA guidance for worker protection and keep key infrastructure and systems up and running.
- Reviewing and planning for staffing and supply impacts.
- Communicating and collaborating with the community. Sharing with them that:
- Tap water is safe.
- “Flushable wipes” aren’t really flushable. They cause blockages, which can lead to sewer overflows.
Three ways your industry peers are improving their safety records
Brown and Caldwell Senior Principal Dr. Erin Mackey elected to International Ultraviolet Association Board of Directors
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) has inducted Brown and Caldwell Senior Principal Dr. Erin Mackey to its board of directors.
The leading authority on UV technology, the IUVA is focused on advancing the sciences, engineering, and applications of UV technologies to enhance the quality of human life and to protect the environment.
As Brown and Caldwell’s UV process lead, Dr. Mackey’s background includes over 20 years of experience in highly technical drinking water, recycled water, wastewater, and industrial projects, ranging from pilot studies to design and regulatory guidance. Her expertise includes UV disinfection; advanced oxidation and adsorptive processes; regulatory compliance; and water quality and treatability evaluation. In addition to conventional process engineering, Dr. Mackey manages municipal, federal, and research projects. She has published numerous reports and peer-reviewed papers on UV disinfection systems and technologies for the treatment of contaminated water.
Dr. Mackey has led the UV process design on many civil infrastructure projects across North America and the Pacific, including managing the U.S.’ first long-term drinking water UV disinfection pilot study in the late 1990s.
“I am thrilled that Erin has joined IUVA’s board of respected industry leaders. Her dedication and technical expertise will be of tremendous benefit not only to her peers but also to IUVA members and the broader communities and industries they serve.”
Dr. Kati Bell, past IUVA president
A licensed professional engineer, Dr. Mackey holds a doctorate and a master’s in environmental science and engineering, and a bachelor’s in environmental engineering. She is based in Brown and Caldwell’s Walnut Creek, California, office.
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Brown and Caldwell welcomes Jean Youngerman as senior principal
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Leading environmental engineering and construction firm Brown and Caldwell today announced Jean Youngerman has joined the firm as senior principal, environmental science.
With a 33-year track record of managing environmental monitoring and regulatory programs for municipalities, private industries, and government agencies, Youngerman brings further technical rigor to Brown and Caldwell’s leading site investigation and remediation, and compliance and permitting service offerings.
Throughout her career, she has led numerous Resource Conservation Recovery Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit applications for a broad range of industries throughout the U.S. Additionally, she has coordinated multiple Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems and Texas Risk Reduction Program audits in adherence with standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
In her new role as senior principal, Youngerman will manage a diverse portfolio of projects while providing employee guidance and mentorship. Project types include site assessment, environmental permitting and compliance, remedial technology evaluation, remedial design and implementation, and site closure pertaining to hazardous and solid waste, emerging contaminants, and resource recovery.
“I am thrilled to welcome an expert of Jean’s caliber to our team. Her vast experience and knowledge perfectly augment our tailored solutions to help clients navigate the regulatory landscape and improve environmental performance while simultaneously meeting business objectives.”
Brown and Caldwell Senior Vice President Sharon Stecker
Youngerman holds a bachelor’s in chemistry and is based in Brown and Caldwell’s Houston office.
Equipping communities with safe, reliable drinking water
Rhonda Harris always knew she wanted to be an engineer
